Rapid population growth and tourism have increased the decrease of resources in the area, threatening the health of the reefs, mangroves and other coastal and marine ecosystems. Climate change presents another significant threat to the reef and the people who depend on it for their lives. Coral reefs are sensitive to climate change. Sea water temperatures need only to increase by one to two degrees Celsius over pretty much short periods of time for coral bleaching to occur.
But what is coral bleaching? Basically, it when warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will release the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.
But what is coral bleaching? Basically, it when warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will release the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.